Apprenticeships – Education Today

YPO introduces new Team Leadership Apprenticeships

Charlotte Westwood — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:56:52 +0000

Public sector procurement specialist and leading education supplier YPO has launched a new Team Leadership Apprenticeship Scheme to support staff with progression and upskilling.

The scheme has been developed following research that identified opportunities to improve development pathways for existing colleagues.

To mark National Apprenticeship Week 2026, the new Apprenticeship Scheme celebrates YPO’s commitment to upskilling staff, promoting internal development and supporting employee progression.

Six YPO warehouse leaders have already begun the new leadership and management apprenticeships, giving employees access to professional qualifications and leadership skills that support their career growth.

This marks a change in how YPO uses the Apprenticeship Levy, supporting the training of existing staff and continuing to create new roles within the organisation, thanks to funding from its local authority partners.

Since 2011, YPO has welcomed over 120 apprentices aged 16 and above, offering paid opportunities across a wide range of job roles.

In 2025, YPO onboarded 11 new apprentices into the organisation, matching job roles to apprenticeships such as Supply Chain Warehouse Operatives, HR Support, Finance Assistants, Business Administrators, Multi-channel Marketers, Customer Services Practitioners and Internal Communications apprenticeships.

The new Team Leadership Apprenticeship Scheme focuses on current employees and looks at ways of developing staff in-house for the future of YPO.

Judith Clark, People Development Manager for YPO, said: “It’s fantastic to have the opportunity to carry out a review of our levy offering and create a new offering that supports the development of our teams, staff retention and overall success of our organisation.

“The research helped us understand the need to move the levy forward to strengthen development pathways for existing colleagues and to implement our findings to support workforce planning and enhance our leadership pipeline. We look forward to supporting more colleagues through the new Team Leadership Apprenticeship programme over the coming years.”

YPO continues to proactively use its Apprenticeship Levy each year to upskill its workforce and ensure significant improvements for the future

Sheffield Hallam Uni partners with FDM Group to create 500 apprenticeship jobs

Jonathan Swift — Wed, 02 Feb 2022 08:59:23 +0000

FTSE 250 firm FDM Group unveils its ‘levelling up’ agenda, with proposals to hire hundreds of new candidates from disadvantaged and diverse backgrounds, offering University qualifications, accommodation subsidies and on-the-job training

Leading technical training firm FDM Group, a professional services provider with a focus on technology, has announced its first ever apprenticeship programme, offering new joiners the opportunity to gain degree-level qualifications as part of an innovative training course.

Candidates will be given full vocational training in key IT roles alongside to study as part of the government-approved level 6 (Bachelor of Science Degree) Digital and Technology Professional apprenticeship. After the initial training phase is complete, employees will then be able to specialise in key areas such as IT consultancy, software engineering, cyber security, and data science.

As part of FDM Group’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the apprenticeship programme will operate with a 50:50 gender split, with many candidates coming from underrepresented backgrounds.

The initial stage of the programme has been developed in partnership with Sheffield Hallam University, with FDM expecting to sign additional agreements in London and with other universities across the country in the coming weeks. The Sheffield Hallam course starts with a solid 12 weeks first term block, onsite at the university. The next seven terms have a study week in the middle of the term and then the ninth term is final exams. For the at university study blocks (including the 12 weeks), FDM apprentices receive full salary and FDM subsidises their accommodation in Sheffield.

Each university which partners with FDM will offer their own mixture of on campus and remote learning with a common, government mandated, 20 per cent of the apprentices’ time at work dedicated to university study.

Joe Hockney, Employer Partnerships Manager, Sheffield Hallam University said: “We’re proud of our partnership with FDM and applaud their record of bringing diverse new talent into tech. This aligns perfectly with our Transforming Lives strategy. We’re the current University of the Year for Social Mobility; a high proportion of our students are from under-represented groups or are the first person in their family to attend university.

This apprenticeship offers direct routes into industry for talented young people who may not have studied STEM subjects at A Level. After the initial 12-week study block, they are ready to start working on client projects and adding value. Three years later, they graduate with a wealth of experience and no debt. I also want to mention that FDM pay above market rate for degree apprenticeships and provide full mentoring support throughout.

Rod Flavell, CEO, FDM Group (pictured left) added, “Far too many talented young people from disadvantaged backgrounds miss out on a university education due to fears around tuition fees, a problem compounded by the chaos and disruption of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Our new apprenticeship programme has been designed to give those very people access to well-paid experience in the IT industry and having the freedom lean and develop as part of a fully funded degree level qualification.

“We all have responsibility to contribute to the UK’s wider levelling up agenda and we hope that our new offering will transform the lives of hundreds of young people, spreading opportunity and access to a fantastic career across the whole country.”

How to prepare for your electrical apprenticeship

Jonathan Swift — Tue, 05 Oct 2021 09:41:02 +0000

If you’re getting ready to leave school and working out your next steps, an apprenticeship could be ideal, especially if you’re interested in learning a trade such as electrical installation.

Apprenticeships have become particularly appealing, as they offer the opportunity to gain a vocational qualification while earning your own money. They provide valuable work experience and instil confidence that won’t necessarily come from sitting in a classroom.

To become an electrician in the UK you need to have an industry recognised Level 3 qualification. Typically, this is a Diploma in Electrotechnical services and is completed during an apprenticeship, over two to four years. Here are some tips to help you prepare for an electrical apprenticeship.

Find out the benefits of an apprenticeship

The main benefit of doing an apprenticeship is being able to earn while you learn. Most people go to university and take out an excessive student loan to cover living costs, with some even working a part-time job in addition to stay afloat. With an apprenticeship, you’re paid for your work, and you learn on the job, so there’s no need to deliver pizza or pour pints at the weekend.

An apprenticeship could also make you more employable, as you will obtain a professional qualification and a few years of quality experience in your chosen sector. As each training scheme is tailored to the needs of your employer, you’ll develop a wide range of skills which could make your CV stand out to a recruiter.

Get the right kit

Once you have secured your apprenticeship, ask your boss what you will need to bring and what you should wear to work. Investing in fundamental items like safety boots and personal protective equipment (PPE) will ensure you have the best protection from danger or injury, as well as making you feel organised and more self-confident on your first day.

Make sure you don’t forget your stationery too. Even if your role is relatively hands-on, you’re still going to need to take notes and prepare for your assignments. A diary would be a helpful tool as well, to ensure you keep track of assessment dates, deadlines and important things to remember.

Research your new role

Read up on your role to make sure you completely understand your responsibilities, training plan, assessments, and the different career paths you could take once you’ve qualified. If you know anyone who has done the same course, ask them to share any words of wisdom.

You will have researched the company before your interview, but now’s the time to brush up on what you learnt. Make sure you know what do the company do, what kind of clients they have and who their competitors are. As they say, knowledge is power. The more you know, the better your chance to succeed.

Begin making connections

It might seem strange to try to build relationships with your new colleagues before you’ve started, but it will demonstrate your commitment to the role and your enthusiasm towards coming on board. Getting to know your team in advance can also make those first few weeks a little less daunting and help you to settle into your new work environment with ease.

A good place to start is Linkedin. Make sure your profile is tidy and professional before doing anything else. Once you’re happy with your profile, send a connection request to someone at the company who you’ve already met and feel relatively comfortable reaching out to.

Do NOT attempt to contact your colleagues through other forms of social media. It’s best to keep Instagram and TikTok for outside of work.

Gower College Swansea apprenticeship scheme named best in UK

Jonathan Swift — Thu, 17 Jun 2021 07:00:20 +0000

Welsh-based further education institution, Gower College Swansea, has scooped a top accolade at a national awards ceremony.

Gower College Swansea won Apprenticeship Programme of the Year at the annual Tes FE Awards, which recognises the best further education organisations supporting learners across the UK.

The college was commended for developing high quality apprenticeship schemes for local industries, and specifically its work with one of the world’s most recognisable steel producers, Tata. Gower College Swansea then cultivated strong links with other businesses, including Huntsman Corporation and Vale Europe, to provide each with high quality apprentices – benefitting both employers and learners.

Judges specifically recognised Gower College Swansea’s response to solving Tata’s shortage of science skills. The college not only developed a level 3 apprenticeship in laboratory and industrial science but went one step further, developing a level 4 higher apprenticeship in life-science industries.

The college then worked innovatively to secure further progression for the pathway and reached an agreement with Swansea University to allow students to go on to the second year of their chemistry undergraduate degree programme – the first chemistry pathway of its kind in the UK.

The college has also had immense success in promoting girls and women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and maths) apprenticeships. In doing so, the college has supported disadvantaged female apprentices and visited local schools to encourage more girls to pursue careers in STEM.

Paul Kift, Director of Skills and Business Development at Gower College Swansea said: “Being judged to have the best Apprenticeship Programme in the UK is testament to the efforts of our learners, my colleagues, and the college’s employer partners. We strive to provide our students with fantastic opportunities and have worked incredibly hard to build strong relationships with businesses who share our appetite for developing the best talent. Our vision is to lead the way in education and training for the learners, employers and communities that we serve – this award demonstrates that others feel that we are making strong progress towards that.”

Gower College Swansea is on track to be recognised further for its apprenticeship efforts having been shortlisted for no fewer than three UK awards (the joint most nominations of any UK organisation) at the FE Week and AELP AAC Apprenticeship Awards. The college has been nominated for digital apprenticeship provider of the year, engineering and manufacturing apprenticeship provider of the year, and legal, finance and accounting apprenticeship provider of the year. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, July 8th, 2021.

For more information about Gower College Swansea and its apprenticeship programmes, visit the college website www.gcs.ac.uk.

Spire Healthcare starts search for up to 270 nurse degree apprentices

Jonathan Swift — Tue, 06 Apr 2021 09:26:03 +0000

The leading private healthcare provider, Spire Healthcare, is launching a new nurse degree apprenticeship programme in partnership with the University of Sunderland, with roles available across Spire’s 35 English hospitals.

Student nurses return to studies at Sunderland University’s Helen McArdle House Picture: DAVID WOOD

The nurse degree apprenticeship is open to applicants at all stages of life, including school leavers, university graduates and people looking to retrain. The nurse degree apprenticeship is a work-based qualification providing apprentices with a combination of training and assessments via distancing learning and on-site placements applying practical knowledge. Placements will be delivered at a Spire hospital as well as at the local NHS trust and GP practice.

Apprentices enjoy a flexible, work-based approach, combining university study and workplace learning to develop new knowledge, skills and thinking whilst completing a degree. The benefit of the degree apprenticeship route is the ability to earn while learning, with a salary of between £18,000 and £21,000 depending on previous experience.

Each nurse degree apprenticeship will complete the programme with a BSc degree. Applications are open now, with successful applicants starting the programme in July 2021.

Deborah Barker, Group Talent Manager at Spire Healthcare, commented, “We are thrilled to be launching our new nurse degree apprenticeship programme. Delivered in partnership with the University of Sunderland it offers hundreds of people, from school leavers, university graduates or people looking to retrain, the opportunity to earn while they learn. Nurses have a vital role in delivering care and support to patients while in hospital and this programme helps to introduce more people into the profession.

“The appeal of an apprenticeship has risen in recent years due to the increasing cost of the traditional university degree route. Covid-19 has then compounded this with classroom-based teaching disrupted over the course of 2020/21.

“The programme has been developed to give people broad experience of healthcare in England, they will complete placements in Spire hospitals, NHS hospitals, and in the community. This ensures that every apprentice gets a full-rounded experience of the role and is well-prepared for their future career in the sector.”

Simone Bedford, Team Leader Professional Healthcare Practice and Midwifery at University of Sunderland, said: “We are excited to be working with Spire Healthcare as this is a great opportunity to work with partners in the private sector.

“The Registered Nurse Degree Apprenticeship will be delivered nationally within the Spire Healthcare group and will offer greater flexibility than a traditional degree to the 270 new nursing apprentices. Based on the University of Sunderland’s successful experience elsewhere, this ‘grow your own’ model is a very exciting development for everyone concerned and we commend Spire Healthcare for its initiative in embarking on such a programme.”

Spire’s nurse degree apprenticeship programme is open to applicants from people 18 years and over. Unusually for a nurse apprenticeship programme, it is open to people coming straight out of education, with no existing healthcare background. Applicants need to hold a maths and English GCSE A to C / 9 to 4 or equivalent and have either a level 3 in Healthcare or 112 UCAS points. The length of the programme is four or five years, depending on existing qualifications. This is reduced to two to three years for Nurse Associates or Assistant Practitioners to reflect existing experience and prior learning.

To find out more and apply visit: https://www.spirehealthcare.com/recruitment/spire-nursing-apprenticeship-programme/

Spire currently has 25 nurse degree apprentices enrolled on an existing programme who are due to graduate in October 2021. The private healthcare provider also offers a wide range of clinical and non-clinical apprenticeships.

Coventry academy shortlisted for prestigious industry award

Jonathan Swift — Thu, 19 Nov 2020 08:00:27 +0000

A Coventry academy has been shortlisted for a prestigious industry award in recognition of its successful apprenticeship programme.

The Romero Catholic Academy, made up of seven primary schools and one secondary school based across the city, has been announced as a finalist for The Learning Awards’ ‘Apprenticeship Programme of the Year’ award.

The Academy, which includes Corpus Christi, Good Shepherd, Sacred Heart, St Gregory’s, St John Fisher, St Patrick’s and Ss Peter and Paul Catholic Primary Schools and Cardinal Wiseman School, was shortlisted for its IT apprenticeship programme.

The Romero apprenticeships are delivered through Primary Goal, an apprenticeship provider which works with schools across the country.

The programme, which was introduced at the Academy in 2017, not only allows apprentices to gain new skills and qualifications but has also seen external IT costs dramatically reduced, problems solved quicker and projects progressed.

Thanks to its success, the Academy has now launched a sports apprenticeship programme and is looking at other areas where apprentices could be introduced.

The Learning Awards are the highest accolade that can be received in workplace learning and development, with finalists across the categories including leading names in finance, health, retail, communications, education, travel and hospitality.

The Academy will give a virtual presentation on its apprenticeship programme to a panel of judges next month before the winners are announced at the Hilton Hotel, Park Lane London on February 18 next year.

Patrick Taggart, Director of Operations at the Academy, said: “We are extremely pleased to be shortlisted for such a prestigious award which recognises the very best in learning and development.

“We have worked hard on our apprenticeship programme and invested heavily in it, so it is something we are extremely proud of.

“As an academy of schools, we understand the importance of not only taking on talented individuals to help provide our children with the very best education, but also offering young people opportunities in which they can develop their skills and progress in their careers.

“Through working with Primary Goal, we have seen our IT apprentices thrive and make a real difference across the Academy.

“As their expertise has increased we have seen our external IT support costs reduce by £80,000 and projects which were once just pipe dreams come into fruition. These include becoming completely cloud based, new WIFI infrastructures at most of our schools and a staff intranet system and Romero University portal which will help our 500 staff access learning and development opportunities.

“Last year we saw one of our apprentices presented with the Coventry Guild Apprentice of the Year award and it is fantastic to keep the success going with this recognition for our programme.”

Louise Campton, MD at Primary Goal, said: “We have been working with the Romero Catholic Academy since 2017 and are delighted that the apprentices have done so well. The programme supports them over a 15-month period and many have progressed to employed ICT technician roles in the Academy.”

Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to continue to fund apprentices

dt-admin — Wed, 16 Sep 2020 11:48:28 +0000

Gillian Keegan, apprenticeship and skills minister, announced yesterday that a Statutory Instrument had been laid out in parliament to allow the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to continue to fund apprentices to complete their training if they are at least 75 per cent of the way through their programme at the point of redundancy.

The HomeServe Foundation, a not-for-profit arm of leading home repairs company HomeServe Plc, is launching later this month with the goal of dramatically increasing the number of apprentices in the UK by supporting employers to take on and train more apprentices.

In reaction to this announcement, Helen Booth, Director of HomeServe Foundation said:

“Businesses across the UK have faced an incredibly challenging period through the COVID-19 pandemic, and with the Brexit deadline looming the future is still very uncertain for so many.

“Without doubt, apprentices have been some of the worst hit during the pandemic, with many unable to complete their training through no fault of their own. With apprenticeship numbers expected to decline by as much as 50%, it’s important for government and businesses to step up.

“It’s unclear when this change may come into place, but if passed it would mean that a significant number of apprentices will have the opportunity to complete their training and continue their career path in the future, which is welcome news.

“Whilst it’s great to see the government bringing in measures to support the apprentice workforce, we’re yet to see if this will make a significant impact. We know that through apprenticeships, young people have the opportunity to build and learn skills that are vital for the UK’s economy and so we’ll continue to do what we can to support both employers and apprentices during this time.”

Toque d’Or® Finals and Awards Postponed until late 2020

Jonathan Swift — Fri, 20 Mar 2020 14:08:53 +0000

In light of the current situation surrounding COVID-19 and the advice from Public Health England, Katya Simmons, Managing Director of Nestle Professional® UK & Ireland, has confirmed that the Toque d’Or 2020 Grand Finals and Awards, set to take place in April and June, have now been postponed until later in the year.

Speaking about the decision Katya said: “This was a difficult decision, however, the health and wellbeing of our competitors, colleagues, partners and customers is our top priority. Whilst a new date has not yet been set, we will continue to monitor the situation and keep everyone updated on plans as we move into a position of being able to make new arrangements.

We’ve had a successful year so far for Toque d’Or 2020, with the National Heats taking place earlier this month, where we announced the 24 talented apprentices and college students that will compete in the Grand Finals. Reaching the final is no mean feat and we look forward to seeing how the competition progresses later in the year with challenges designed to push the competitors to their limits around the Toque d’Or 2020 theme of sustainability.

Whilst the Grand Final has been postponed, the Toque d’Or community will continue to spread messages of positivity with a digital challenge on Instagram to ensure the creative juices keep flowing for our finalists. We want to continue to showcase the best of our industry and demonstrate how, when we pull together, we come out stronger.

This is a tough time for the hospitality industry and there is a lot of uncertainty around what the future holds. At Toque d’Or, our ethos has always been focused on supporting the sustainability of careers and the wider industry, and we appreciate this is now more important than ever. We are constantly inspired by the resilience of our industry and know that we will support each other through this time.

If you would like to keep updated on the competition, see some of the highlights from the recent heats and support our finalists through their digital channels, please do follow us on social media @nestletoquedor and #toquedor2020.”

For more information about Nestlé Professional® Toque d’Or® 2020 visit https://www.nestleprofessional.co.uk/toque-dor.

From the classroom to the courtroom: NAHL Group takes students into apprenticeship programme

dt-admin — Wed, 26 Feb 2020 15:36:55 +0000

A legal firm is doing its bit to offer opportunities to young scholars by taking on two school leavers for the first time as part of its apprenticeship programme. NAHL Group, which is based in Kettering, launched its Learning Academy scheme in March last year but that initiative was only open to employees that were already part of the personal injury division.

Those apprentices are now almost 12 months into the programme, which offers staff at National Accident Helpline and National Accident Law a chance to develop a wider range of skills and explore different fields within the industry.

And now, paralegal apprentices Becky Harvey and Faye Wright are the first school leavers to be inducted into the scheme, joining National Accident Law as NAHL Group looks to expand its reach and help those who are taking the first steps in their chosen careers.

“The idea of learning a job while doing it every day appealed to me, so when I saw this role, I thought it was ideal,” said Faye, 19. “We will be learning about a broad range of law, both civil and criminal, and a lot of the learnings can be applied in our day jobs.

“I wanted to start a law career because I found it really interesting and because law is in all parts of everyday life, without you necessarily realising it.”

NAHL Group specialises in helping those who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own – perhaps at work or on the road – and are seeking compensation for the damages done, with claims being made on a no win no fee basis.

As 18-year-old Becky explains, embarking on a legal career does not necessarily mean a lifetime of dramatic court cases and verdicts, and she’s thoroughly enjoying the chance to learn on the job.

“People associate the law with courtrooms and people in robes and wigs, but law careers are not always like that,” she said. “We’re working with different teams who handle the various stages of a claim – preparation, settlement and litigation – and I’m enjoying developing my knowledge in an office environment.”

And Samantha Warner, NAHL Group’s Learning and Development Manager, hopes the expansion of the programme will continue to benefit all parties.

“We launched our first apprenticeships last year to offer new opportunities to existing members of our team, and that has been really successful,” she said.

“Our apprentices continue to learn new skills and develop confidence which they are able to call upon in their jobs every day, and it’s been great to watch them learn and grow in their roles.

“Extending the apprenticeship programme to people joining our team was the logical next step, and we’re looking forward to continuing to nurture the careers of our apprentices over the year ahead.”

Young creatives recognised in national awards

Jonathan Swift — Wed, 03 Apr 2019 07:19:09 +0000

Young people, individuals and organisations, which demonstrate excellence in the UK’s cultural sector, were celebrated last night [1 April] at a glittering awards ceremony dedicated to the industry’s unsung heroes.

Apprentices, interns and mentors were among those recognised at the seventh annual Creative & Cultural Skills Awards, held in Cardiff for the first time at the National Museum Cardiff.

Sophie Hukin

The awards are organised by Creative & Cultural Skills, an independent UK charity giving young people opportunities to work and learn in the creative industries, and are designed to shine a light on the individuals and organisations that have demonstrated outstanding commitment to skills development and learning in the sector.

This year, two young women were jointly awarded the prestigious title of ‘Apprentice of the Year’ for their exceptional commitment and ambition to learning new skills.

Judges were unable to choose between the drive shown by Fionnuala Cush, 25, in her role at Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich – an Irish language, arts and cultural centre in West Belfast, and the leadership skills of Sophie Hukin, 22, of SharpFutures in Manchester – a social enterprise that supports diverse young people into employment in the creative digital and tech sectors.

Ms Cush began her apprenticeship on the centre’s welcome desk but, after seeking out additional training and attending courses and night school, began proactively seeking greater responsibility before being appointed business development officer – a role created specifically for her.

She said: “I thoroughly enjoyed my apprenticeship at Cultúrlann and grabbed every opportunity to gain additional skills and take on more responsibility. It ended in a permanent role for me, which has been fantastic. I’d recommend an apprenticeship in this sector to anyone – it’s a brilliant opportunity to learn on the job.”

Meanwhile, Ms Hukin has helped SharpFutures close the social mobility gap for young people who want to break into the creative digital and tech sectors but have no work experience and minimal connections. Her achievements include promoting ways for young people to access employment in the sector and advising students on pathways to long-term work.

Ms Hukin added: “My apprenticeships at SharpFutures opened the door to a career in a sector I love. I enjoyed every moment of my time as an apprentice so to get this award is just the icing on the cake.

“My apprenticeships have enabled me to do a job where I am now able to advise other young people on the additional training or skills they need to get them where they want to be in their career. It’s been hugely rewarding and I’d recommend an apprenticeship to anyone.”

Fionnuala Cush

More than 200 people attended this year’s awards and dinner, which were presented by Angharad Lee, a freelance director of theatre, opera and film, and David Anderson, director general of National Museum Wales. Entertainment was provided by Rubicon Dance, a community dance development organisation for Cardiff and Newport.

The ceremony followed the tenth Creative & Cultural Skills National Conference, which took place on the same day in Cardiff City Hall and featured senior leaders from organisations including the Arts Council of Wales, the Wales Millennium Centre and the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. The conference explored the barriers to entry into the creative and cultural sector, and what stops people from thriving within it.

Recent research published by Creative & Cultural Skills reveals that there were 1,175,546 people working in the creative industry[2] in the UK in 2018, with 25% of these aged between 16-29 years old, in sectors as diverse as literature (31%), performing arts (21%), visual arts (15%), cultural heritage (13%), design (13%), music (4%) and craft (3%).

Simon Dancey, chief executive of Creative & Cultural Skills, said: “To be a part of this inspirational event, surrounded by individuals and organisations working passionately to shift the persisting inequalities in the UK’s cultural sector, has been a privilege.

“Both Fionnuala and Sophie demonstrate the value apprenticeships can provide both to those who may not do well academically but thrive in the right setting, and to the creative sector generally.

“Our awards are about celebrating people who demonstrate the skills, passion and commitment required to make lasting change to the organisations they work for – regardless of their academic background.

“Our winners, and all those nominated, are further evidence of the need for more employers in the cultural sector to shift their recruitment cultures, embrace apprenticeships and improve their workforce diversity. I have no doubt the apprentices, interns and trainees nominated will all have a fantastic career ahead of them in the cultural sector.”